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The Mystery; its Special Characteristics.
1. A special minister.
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Paul, as prisoner (1). Me (2, 3, 8). I (8).
2. A special ministry.
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For you Gentiles (1). To youward (2).
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Among the Gentiles (8).
3. A special communication.
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Made known by revelation (3).
4. A special theme.
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Unsearchable (8). Mystery (3, 9). Hid (9).
5. A special period.
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The dispensation of the grace of God (2).
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The dispensation of the mystery (9). Now (10).
6. A special witness.
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Unto principalities (10). Manifold wisdom (10).
7. A special purpose.
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According to the purpose of the Ages (11).
Such is the theme of verses 1-11 omitting the parenthesis. Coming to verses 4-7 we
learn more concerning this mystery by way of contrast. The mystery of verses 1-3 and
8-11 is contrasted with the mystery of Christ. Let us again seek an analysis.
The Mystery of Christ.
1. Not exclusive to this dispensation. It was made known in other generations (5).
2. Not exclusive to the Apostle Paul. It was revealed unto prophets and apostles (5).
The Mystery.
1.
It was exclusive to the Apostle Paul. Verses 1, 2, 3, 8 & 9, already considered, and
verse 7, "Whereof I was made a minister", the words defining the gospel intended in
verse 6.
2.
It was peculiar in its composition. It gives a threefold equality to the Gentile believer
never before known or enjoyed (6).
Verse 6 in the A.V. reads on from verse 5, being connected by the word "that". The
R.V. makes the connection closer by adding in italic type the words "to wit". Any literal
translation however is obliged to render einai as a statement of fact, and there is no word
nor construction which necessitates "that" or "to wit". Instead of connection, contrast is
intended. Instead of the threefold fellowship of the Gentiles being the mystery revealed
to the apostles and prophets and before them the sons of men in other generations, it is
entirely associated "with that gospel" whereof Paul was made a minister, who in that
capacity received the commission to enlighten all as to the dispensation of the mystery,
which instead of being revealed in other ages, or at the time to many prophets and
apostles, had never been revealed at all, but had been hid from the ages and revealed only
to the one chosen Apostle, Paul, when the time for its publication had arrived. Instead
therefore of linking verse 6 with 5, we should link verse 6 with 7 & 8.
We do not arrive at the truth if we stop at the word gospel in verse 6. Scripture speaks
of a series of sets of good news or "gospels" and to ascertain the truth we must know that
the gospel under consideration was that which the Apostle Paul preached according to the
gift of grace of God which had given him the dispensation of this secret to administer.
The parenthesis of verses 4-7 stands therefore thus:--